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Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn speaks at the Keys to Home ceremony.
OUTREACH
Supporting Florida’s Veterans Several cities assist local heroes and their families
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by Kelli Gemmer Florida League of Cities
ities, towns and villages across Florida are committed to supporting, engaging and advocating for our nation’s veterans and families. The unemployment and homelessness rate for veterans had been declining nationally, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought record unemployment rates across every community. In response, several Florida cities have taken additional steps to specifically help Florida’s veterans and their families during these challenging times. More than 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, making up 12% of the state’s adult population. With the third-largest population of veterans in the nation, veterans and their families are an important part of Florida and the cities they call home. PORT ST. LUCIE DONATES HOME
The City of Port St. Lucie partnered with Synergy Homes and St. Lucie County Veterans Services to build and donate a single-family home to a local veteran or Gold Star Family,
relatives of military members who have died in the line of duty. The Gold Star/Veterans Home Giveaway was approved by the City Council after the city developed the plan and gained a commitment from Synergy Homes to lead the SECOND QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 35
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
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